Here are just a few things we at the Guardian didn't know before our deafness awareness workshop earlier this summer: that sign language has national and even regional variations; that for many deaf people, English isn't their first language; and that many deaf people feel excluded from news websites. It was that last revelation that really got us thinking.

A deaf colleague had joined the team, and through our training, and subsequent conversations with her, we realised that not only was there a lot we didn't know about deaf culture today, but also that things were changing; there was a new mood emerging – online and around the country.

The internet revolution, which should have improved communication for everyone, was leaving a significant proportion of the population behind. The Guardian's own website was not as accessible as it could – or should – be to many deaf people who prefer to communicate in British Sign Language; for whom reading an English language website can be like attempting to translate a foreign language. Even those for whom English is not a barrier are not able to enjoy the audio podcasts and non-subtitled videos.

We decided we wanted to produce a special issue – in print and online – that would focus on deaf readers: exploring aspects of life as a deaf person today, as well as providing video in BSL with subtitles for our hearing readers. We wanted to meet the rising stars of the deaf community, to find out what everyday life is like for a young deaf family, and discover how deaf people get to the top of their professions. We hoped to produce an issue that would be interesting and inspiring for deaf and hearing readers. Did we manage it? Let us know what you think.